Effects of L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside on the spontaneous contractility of human non-pregnant uterus

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate, in isolated human non-gravid myometrium, the involvement of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in nitric oxide (NO) induced relaxation. METHODS: Strips of human myometrium from hysterectornized women were suspended in organ baths for recording of isometric tension. Cumulative concentration-response curves for L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside were performed in the presence of methylene blue (10 mumol/l) or vehicle (control). The effect of increasing concentrations of 8-bromo-cGMP on uterine spontaneous contraction was also studied. RESULTS: L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside induced a concentration-dependent decrease in the amplitude of the myometrial spontaneous contractions. Pretreatment with methylene blue enhanced the inhibitory effect of L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside on myometrial spontaneous contractions. In addition, 8-bromo-cGMP had no effect on spontaneous contractions in human myometrium. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside inhibit the spontaneous contractions of the non-pregnant human uterus through a cGMP independent pathway.